Pet Soft Tissue and Orthopedicsin Traverse City, MI
Our team provides skilled soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries to help pets recover from injuries, correct health issues, and improve their quality of life.

Advanced Orthopedic Surgery Servicesin Traverse City, MI
At Oakwood Veterinary Hospital, we offer advanced pet orthopedic surgery services to help restore mobility, relieve pain, and improve quality of life. Whether your pet is suffering from a fracture, ligament tear, or chronic joint condition, our surgical expertise ensures they receive the highest standard of care.
If you’re looking for soft tissue procedures instead, we invite you to visit our dedicated Soft Tissue Surgery page for more information.
Dr. Jackie Mair : Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. Travels to the clinic 1-2x per month for Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) specific surgeries as well as advanced orthopedic issues

Led by an Experienced Veterinary Orthopedic Surgeon
- Fracture and ligament repair
- Cranial cruciate ligament CCL (ACL) stabilization
- Patellar luxation correction
- Joint surgery (including OCD fragment removal)
- Hip surgery and arthritis management
Dr. Drew Henshaw combines surgical skill with a comprehensive approach to recovery, including nutritional support, pain management, and physical therapy techniques.
A Trusted Veterinary Referral Clinic
Our traveling, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jackie Mair, specializes in Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery and advanced orthopedic care to support pets with complex mobility and joint issues.
Requirements
To prepare for your visit:
- Do not feed your pet on the morning of their appointment (x-rays may require anesthesia).
- Bring all medical records, including x-rays, bloodwork, and complete the referral form through your primary veterinarian.
- Include any current medications or prescription food your pet is taking.


Advanced Veterinary Surgery with Compassionate Care
When your pet needs surgery, you want to know they’re in skilled, trustworthy hands. At Oakwood Veterinary Hospital, we offer a comprehensive range of soft tissue surgery services—performed with precision, care, and a focus on your pet’s safety and comfort. Whether your pet needs a spay or neuter, lump removal, or a more advanced procedure, our team of experienced veterinarians is equipped to provide high-quality veterinary surgical services right here in Traverse City, MI.

Understanding Soft Tissue Surgery for Pets
Soft tissue surgery involves procedures that are not related to bones or joints. These surgeries address a wide variety of medical issues involving the skin, organs, reproductive system, and more. At Oakwood, we routinely perform both elective and medically necessary soft tissue procedures for dogs and cats, including:
- Spay and neuter surgery
- Mass and tumor removal
- Gastrointestinal surgery (foreign body removal, biopsies)
- Bladder and urinary tract surgery
- Laceration repair
- Hernia repair
- Emergency abdominal surgery
- Wound management
- Lymph node and organ biopsies
If you’re looking for orthopedic procedures, please visit our dedicated Orthopedic Surgery page for more information.
What to Expect During a Surgical Appointment
Before your pet undergoes any surgical procedure at Oakwood Veterinary Hospital, we conduct a thorough consultation and pre-surgical examination. This may include bloodwork or imaging to assess your pet’s overall health and anesthesia safety.
Please do not feed your pet on the morning of your appointment, as sedation or anesthesia may be necessary for diagnostics or surgery.
During the procedure:
- Your pet is closely monitored by trained veterinary staff.
- We use advanced anesthetic protocols and pain management.
- Our surgical suite is equipped with modern tools for accuracy and safety.
After surgery, we’ll guide you through a customized recovery plan and post-operative care instructions to ensure your pet heals comfortably and successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is soft tissue surgery safe for my pet?
Yes. We perform a complete health evaluation beforehand and use modern anesthesia protocols and monitoring to keep your pet as safe and comfortable as possible.
Is soft tissue surgery safe for my pet?
Yes. We perform a complete health evaluation beforehand and use modern anesthesia protocols and monitoring to keep your pet as safe and comfortable as possible.
How long is recovery after soft tissue surgery?
Recovery time varies based on the type of procedure. Most pets recover within 10–14 days, and we provide detailed aftercare instructions to support healing at home.
Will my pet be in pain after surgery?
We use multi-modal pain management techniques before, during, and after surgery to ensure your pet’s comfort. We’ll also send home any necessary medications.
Can my pet go home the same day after surgery?
In many cases, yes. Most routine soft tissue surgeries, including spay and neuter, allow for same-day discharge. For more complex procedures, your pet may require overnight monitoring to ensure a smooth recovery.
What signs should I watch for after surgery?
We’ll give you specific aftercare guidelines, but in general, keep an eye out for swelling, redness, discharge, excessive licking, or changes in appetite or behavior. If you notice anything unusual, contact us immediately.
Client Referral Form
Supporting Every Step of Recovery
We’re here to guide you and your pet through every stage—from consultation and surgery to aftercare and rehabilitation. Our team will develop a custom care plan designed to meet your pet’s specific needs and promote a safe, comfortable recovery.